KAUST Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Scholarship in Saudi Arabia
The KAUST Fellowship 2027 offers international students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. The university provides fully funded support to admitted students in eligible master's, combined master's and PhD, and PhD programmes, allowing them to concentrate on advanced study and research.
The fellowship is available to qualified students from different countries, including Nigeria and other African nations. It covers tuition fees, provides a living stipend, and includes accommodation, health insurance and relocation support under the university's funding arrangements.
For students planning to begin their studies in 2027, KAUST has opened applications for Fall 2027 entry. The university lists 3 January 2027 as the Round 2 application deadline for master's, MS/PhD and PhD applicants. Applicants should confirm the deadline for their chosen programme on the official admissions website before submitting.
KAUST Fellowship 2027 Benefits
The KAUST Fellowship is designed to cover the main costs associated with graduate study. According to the university's published funding information, the benefits include the following.
1. Full Tuition and Bench Fee Coverage
The fellowship covers tuition and bench fees, valued at up to US$35,000 per year. This support reduces the financial burden of pursuing a research-focused graduate degree.
2. Monthly Living Stipend
Students receive a stipend to help pay for everyday expenses while studying at KAUST. The published annual amounts are:
Master's students: US$20,000 per year.
PhD students: US$25,000 to US$30,000 per year, depending on qualifications and academic progress.
The amount applicable to an individual student depends on the programme and the university's funding terms.
3. Accommodation
The fellowship includes base accommodation on campus. Shared accommodation is generally provided for single students, while married students may receive two-bedroom accommodation under the university's arrangements. Housing upgrades may involve additional charges.
4. Health Insurance
Health insurance is included for students and eligible dependants living on campus, subject to the university's applicable conditions.
5. Relocation Support
The fellowship includes relocation assistance covering eligible visa, travel and relocation costs. The university states that relocation support applies to the student's initial move to KAUST and return home upon graduation.
KAUST estimates the total value of the fellowship at approximately US$70,000 to US$80,000 per year, depending on the student's circumstances.
Some students funded through external sponsorship or specific partnerships may not qualify for the KAUST Fellowship in addition to their existing funding. Applicants should check the terms of their admission offer.
Who Can Apply for the KAUST Fellowship?
The fellowship is intended for academically strong students seeking postgraduate education in science, engineering and related research areas at KAUST.
International applicants may apply if they meet the university's admission requirements for their chosen degree. Applicants should pay particular attention to the following areas.
Academic qualifications: Master's applicants generally need an appropriate bachelor's degree. PhD applicants normally need relevant prior graduate-level qualifications, although programme-specific requirements may differ.
Academic performance: KAUST is competitive and looks for strong academic records, relevant preparation and the potential to succeed in graduate research.
Research interests: Applicants should select a programme that matches their academic background and research goals.
English proficiency: Applicants must meet the university's English-language requirements unless they qualify for an exemption.
Supporting documents: Applicants need to submit the academic records, recommendations and other materials required by their selected programme.
Admission is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer.
Eligible Degree Programmes
KAUST offers postgraduate study across a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines. The university lists 17 subject areas across its graduate programmes, although the subjects available can differ by degree pathway.
Areas of study include fields such as:
Applied mathematics and computational science
Bioscience
Bioengineering
Chemical engineering
Chemistry
Computer science
Electrical and computer engineering
Environmental science and engineering
Marine science
Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Plant science
Statistics
Energy resources and related engineering disciplines
Applicants should use the university's official programme directory to confirm the current list of available degrees, entry requirements and research opportunities. Not every subject offers every degree pathway.
Master's and PhD Study Options at KAUST
Applicants can explore different graduate routes depending on their qualifications and career plans.
Master's Degree
KAUST's Master of Science programme offers a research-focused postgraduate education. Depending on the programme and selected track, the degree may take approximately 1.5 years without a thesis or two years with a thesis.
The master's route may suit graduates who want to deepen their technical knowledge, prepare for industry roles or develop a stronger foundation for doctoral research.
MS/PhD Pathway
The combined master's and PhD pathway may be suitable for applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree and intend to pursue a research career. It can allow students to progress toward a doctorate without submitting a separate PhD application, provided they meet the university's progression requirements.
Not every graduate programme offers this pathway, so applicants should confirm its availability for their intended subject.
PhD Degree
The PhD programme is designed for students seeking advanced research training. KAUST describes its standard PhD pathway as a four-year programme, although the duration and requirements may depend on the discipline and the student's academic progress.
Applicants should review the specific requirements for their intended doctoral programme before applying.
KAUST Fellowship 2027 Application Deadline
The university's published admission timeline lists the following dates for Fall 2027 entry:
| Admission stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Fall 2027 applications opened | 28 September 2026 |
| Round 2 application deadline | 3 January 2027 |
| Round 2 decisions scheduled | 14 February 2027 |
| Fall semester begins | 29 August 2027 |
These dates are based on KAUST's published admission timeline and may change. Applicants should check the official website for updates before relying on the schedule.
KAUST also lists a Spring 2027 admission round for PhD applicants, but the published first-round deadline was 27 September 2026. As that date has passed, prospective students should check the application portal for the current status of spring admission.
Documents Required for the KAUST Fellowship
The exact documents depend on the degree programme and the applicant's educational background. Applicants should prepare the materials requested by the university, which may include:
Official academic transcripts.
Degree certificates or proof of expected graduation.
A current curriculum vitae (CV).
Letters of recommendation submitted by the recommenders.
Official English-language test scores, where required.
A statement of purpose or other programme-specific application materials.
KAUST requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 81 or an IELTS score of 6.5, according to its admissions guidance. Applicants who received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand may qualify for an exemption from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores. Confirm the current policy before applying.
The university does not require the GRE for admission, according to its published guidance. Applicants should nevertheless check their chosen programme's requirements for any additional assessments or materials.
How to Apply for the KAUST Fellowship 2027
There is no separate fellowship application for most applicants. Students apply for admission to an eligible KAUST graduate programme, and admitted students automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship unless an external sponsorship or specific partnership arrangement makes them ineligible.
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Choose your degree programme. Review the master's, MS/PhD and PhD options and select a subject that matches your academic qualifications and research interests.
Step 2: Review the entry requirements. Check the academic qualifications, English-language requirements and programme-specific conditions before starting your application.
Step 3: Prepare your documents. Gather your transcripts, degree certificates, CV, recommendation arrangements and any other required materials.
Step 4: Complete the online application. Use the official KAUST admissions portal to enter your personal, academic and programme information.
Step 5: Arrange recommendation letters. Contact suitable academic referees early. KAUST states that recommendations should be submitted directly by the recommenders through the application system.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline. For Fall 2027 entry, the published Round 2 deadline is 3 January 2027. Confirm that the date has not changed and that your application is complete.
Step 7: Monitor your application. Check your email and application account for admissions updates, interview invitations or requests for further information.
Is the KAUST Fellowship Fully Funded?
Yes. KAUST states that admitted students in eligible master's and PhD programmes receive the fully funded KAUST Fellowship. Its benefits include tuition and bench fee coverage, a living stipend, base accommodation, health insurance and relocation support.
However, the exact value and terms depend on the student's programme and circumstances. Applicants with substantial external sponsorship may not receive the KAUST Fellowship alongside that funding. Read the official funding conditions and admission offer carefully.
Final Thoughts
The KAUST Fellowship 2027 is a significant opportunity for international students seeking fully funded postgraduate education in Saudi Arabia. It provides financial support for eligible master's, MS/PhD and PhD students, together with access to advanced research facilities and an international academic community.
Applicants should choose a suitable programme, review the admission requirements, prepare their academic documents and submit a complete application before the relevant deadline. Since admission is competitive, a strong academic record and a clear connection between previous studies and future research goals are important.
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